Lakers must be sick watching a missed deadline target benched by the Pistons

The Detroit Pistons have barely played Kevin Huerter since trading for him at the deadline, as they have too much depth, and he’s been unable to crack the rotation. 

That Isn't the case in Los Angeles, where the Lakers were desperate to add some bench depth and scoring at the trade deadline, and did so with Luke Kennard, but they were also connected to Huerter in rumors. 

The Lakers could have and probably should have doubled down, especially since Huerter fits the model of what they need, which is a bench scorer whose contract does not extend past this season. 

LA could face a major retool this offseason if LeBron James leaves, but for now, they are all-in on trying to win one more title with him there. It’s not as if Huerter was going to be the difference in a championship in LA, but he’d definitely be playing, something that he can’t say in Detroit. 

The Pistons are deep and Kevin Huerter can’t get off the bench 

Huerter finally played a few minutes last night and didn’t do much, but it’s clear that he’s not part of the Pistons’ rotation, at least for now. 

Like LA, Detroit needs more shooting, but unlike LA, Detroit is deep, has the best record in the league and is going to stick with the guys that got them there. 

The Jaden Ivey trade has been a dud so far, as neither guy is even playing, Ivey is injured (Pistons dodged a bullet there) and Huerter can’t play his way into the rotation. 

You do have to wonder if Huerter’s number will be called at some point for the Pistons, especially in the playoffs where their lack of scoring could come back to haunt them. 

But for now, JB Bickerstaff is going to stick with Caris LeVert (why?) and Javonte Green, the latter of whom has been one of the Pistons’ most important bench players. 

It shows you how much perception can change from one season to the next, as Huerter was once considered a very good bench scorer and Green more of a journeyman, evidenced by their paychecks, as Huerter is getting paid $18 million to sit on the bench (good work if you can get it) and Green is playing impact minutes on a league minimum deal. 

JB Bickerstaff clearly values defense, which is why Green has been out there, but the LeVert stuff is starting to get baffling, as he has not provided much on either end. It’s not like he’s an elite defender, so it’s possible we’ll eventually see Huerter take some of his minutes. 

But that’s only if Red Velvet starts hitting shots, which is the only way he’s getting off the bench this season. 

It shows the difference between the Lakers and Pistons right now, as Huerter would likely be coming off the bench in LA but can’t get off it in Detroit.